VIDEOS: YWCA's Ready for Work graduates given the tools to succeed

By Danielle Sanzone

Saturday, February 16, 2013

TROY -- Even with six kids and three grandkids, 40-year-old Geniene Jackson of Troy graduated from the YWCA's Ready for Work program on Friday. She is now on track to finish her education that she started as a teenager.

Jackson, one of ten graduatesfrom the 12 week program, had her first child when she was 15-years-old. Now, with the support of the YWCA and her fellow Ready for Work graduates, she is on her way to receiving a GED and eventually getting her dream job of a human services position.

"I want to help children with disabilities or special needs. I want to work with people, in general," said Jackson, who is now a certified nursing assistant and an intern at Joseph's House. "I've learned a lot of tools in this program."

She said she first heard about the program, in its fifth year at the YWCA, through a friend. Now, she has an updated resume and skills for finding a job.

The free program, supported by the city of Troy and the Women's Club of Troy, focuses on workplace etiquette, resume writing, literacy, composing a cover letter, computer training, budgeting, stress management, and how to dress for a job. This includes about 20 hours of class and activities per week, said Bonnie Benson, director of housing and supportive programs.

The participating women work with Fay Spargo, the Ready for School coordinator; Jennifer Nelson, coordinator of employment and educational services; and Deborah Borders, employment training coordinator. The Ready for Work program complements the YWCA's Ready for School program which started this year.

"I'm doing this for my kids," said Gladys Thomas as she presented her five-step plan at the graduation ceremony to an audience of about 50 people at the downtown YWCA location.

Several of the women said they were thankful for the opportunity. Most had goals of spending more time with their families, finishing their education, getting a good job, buying a house and a car, and eventually being able to go on a vacation with their loved ones.

"Thanks for pushing me and making sure I followed through," said Jackson to the YWCA staff. Her children range in age from four to 25.

Benson said that some of the women are hesitant to try the program since they think they will not have time but eventually the women realize what they can accomplish. "It's humbling for me to see what they can accomplish," said Benson. She added that they also keep in touch with many of the graduates.